Former Secretary of State Colin Powell apparently can't do a television interview anymore without going after conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh.
Unfortunately, Sunday wasn't any different.
Appearing with John King on CNN's "State of the Union," Powell couldn't resist referring to Limbaugh in a question about Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor (video embedded below the fold with partial transcript):
COLIN POWELL: She's from my neighborhood, yes. She seems like a very gifted and accomplished woman. She certainly has an open and liberal bent of mind, but that's not disqualifying. But she seems to have a judicial record that seems to be balanced and tries to follow the law.
And so I hope we do have a spirited set of hearings. And Supreme Court confirmation hearings tend to always meet that standard. And she ought to be asked about everything from both the left and the right. What we can't continue to have is to have somebody like a Judge Sotomayor who is announced, and based on one simple tricky but nonetheless case at the Supreme Court has now decided, have her called a racist, a reverse-racist, and she ought to withdraw her nomination because we're mad at her.
Fortunately the senators who will sit on this hearing in the Judiciary Committee after a few days of this kind of nonsense said, let's slow down, let's examine her qualifications the way we're supposed to at a confirmation hearing.
JOHN KING, HOST: You wrote in your book some time ago about this issue, about serving in administrations. You wrote: "Never in the two years I worked with Ronald Reagan and George Bush did I detect the slightest trace of racial prejudice in their behavior. They led a party, however, whose principal message to black Americans seemed to be, lift yourself up by your bootstraps. Some did not have boots. I wish that Reagan and Bush had shown more sensitivity on this point."
Let's fast forward to where we are today. Does the Republican Party have that sensitivity now? You just mentioned the divergence of opinion when this nomination first came up. Are you confident those in, let's say, elected leadership positions have that sensitivity now?
POWELL: Well, if you look at the results of the election last fall and make a judgment on the basis of how the party did with respect to the Hispanic vote and the African-American vote, realizing that President Obama -- candidate Obama had a significant advantage with those constituencies, we haven't done well enough.
And when you have non-elected officials such as we have in our party who immediately shout racism or somebody who is quite prominent in the media says that the only basis upon which I could possibly have supported Obama was because he was black and I was black, even though I laid out my judgment on the candidates, then we still have a problem.
Now, affirmative action is an issue that I thought about and worried about for many, many years. But let me summarize it this way. If you have a public institution, say, a college, such as a college I went to, City College in New York, where you're responsible for educating the public, not just a part of the public but the public.
And as you are looking at your student population, if you find that there are some parts of the public who are not properly represented in your institution, shouldn't you do something about that? Don't you have an obligation to do something about it?
You don't have an obligation to bring in anybody who is not able to do the work. You should always have qualifications. But once you've established those qualifications, is there something wrong with a taxpayer-funded institution not making sure that it is representing the entire public, the entire population?
And I think that's a good rule for private institutions as well. Call it affirmative action, call it diversity. It goes under a lots of different names. I have a hunch that maybe 55 years ago somebody took a look at my rather mediocre high school grades, but at the same time, thought, maybe this kid can make it, and let me into the City College of New York.
KING: Worked out OK.
(LAUGHTER)
KING: The guy who used the term "reverse-racism," you didn't name him, but it's Rush Limbaugh. And he has said some not so favorable things about you, saying this guy says he's a Republican but then he supported Obama, so he's not really a Republican.
You're a Republican.
POWELL: Yes. And Mr. Limbaugh, of course, is entitled to his opinion but he's not on any membership committee. He doesn't decide who I am or what I am no more than I decide who he is or what he is.
So we've had this running debate, let's call it that. And he's entitled to his opinion and I'm entitled to mine.
—Noel Sheppard is the Associate Editor of NewsBusters. Follow him at Facebook and Twitter.
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Comments Policy
Quit worrying about quotas; educate kids equally
July 5, 2009 - 16:31 ET by nkviking75"And as you are looking at your student population, if you find that there are some parts of the public who are not properly represented in your institution, shouldn't you do something about that? Don't you have an obligation to do something about it?"
Yeah, Mr. Powell, you work to make sure minority kids get as good an education as white kids so they're as qualified as white kids to go to college when the time comes. And that doesn't mean more of the same stuff we've been doing. Break the stranglehold of the National Education Association. Since minority kids are born with equal potential to white kids, make them all perform to the same standards. Quit wasting money on trying to force the demographics of each school to match that of the general population. Spend it on things that directly affect what kids learn.
When you put the clowns in charge, don't be surprised when a circus breaks out.
A heck of a lot of these
July 6, 2009 - 00:22 ET by RR GOPA heck of a lot of these kids simply don't want to put the effort into learning...it's not something that is really valued in our society anymore and even less in many minority families and neighborhoods.
And it's not just the poor attitude towards learning, it's the minority of kids in most schools who are constantly trying to take over the classroom (if not the entire school). They eat up tons of time, money and resources...and make it easier for the 'good kids' to goof off because they're under the radar-just human nature, especially at that age.
Other countries siphon off the knucklheads into the military or trade schools so they can't infect the upper schools where the ones who actually want to learn can do so and not be bothered. So, of course their test scores are a lot better.
Yet we insist on pretending that juvenile delinquents are better off in our schools than in jail or drug rehabs where they belong and where they might get the help they need.
Get the miscreants out of these schools, and I guarantee you much, much better results. To do even better, get on the well-behaved kids about their grades and threaten to kick them out if they screw around...that would definitely get mom's and/or dad's (or auntie's or gramma's, or sister's or...) attention.
Why do we insist on putting up with things in schools and with juveniles in general, that we do not tolerate elsewhere? When a punk turns 18, you think there's some great positive transformation in their character and behavior?
Maybe it's just me, but I'm pretty damn tired of going into stores and having to deal with these teens and twenty-somethings...bunch of goof-offs for the most part. But, that's what they've gotten away with. That's the mediocrity that they've learned is enough to get them by. Besides, these jobs are just temporary until their _____ (insert-i.e. modelling, drug dealing, pro sports, singing, etc.) career starts to take off.
One of the 34% who thinks George W. Bush was a great President. One of the 61% who wants to bring back the stock and pillory (yep...approval for Congress now at 39%...do you believe that!?).
POWELL = SILENT LOSER
July 5, 2009 - 16:36 ET by reelman46Powell is a political coward, an inconsistent mush mouth, a back-stabber who never takes a public stand and then tells all he voted for the strident secular socialist...go figure because millions cannot.
Give us all a break...Rush nails him and all Powell can do is cry...he can't explain what he stands for and why he did what he did...thus the distractions...a liberal trademark...talk about anything and anybody but never defend-explain-state your positions...pass the barf bag...we are not fooled!
Just another panderer hoping for the lib-media to like him and eventually get to all the lib-parties or maybe some job with the J. Carter Obama adminstration...perhaps an ACORN supervisor.
Colin, I lost ALL respect for youa s both a MAN and a political guy.
I will be glad to explain that with you in the room on camera anytime.
Doug Schexnayder, Ph.D. (theconservativecrawfish)
I saw this today.....just
July 5, 2009 - 16:33 ET by bigtimerI saw this today.....just typical Powell jive.
I didn't get angry...King brought it up...Powell did his usual oh so polite spin.
I Am I Said type of thing....muffled arrogance.
Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart
I didn't watch, and I would
July 5, 2009 - 16:56 ET by motherbeltI didn't watch, and I would not watch anything with him.
Frankly, I'm really tired of Colin "I'm a Republican but I don't agree with any of their policies" Powell.
It's kind of like saying "I'm a Catholic, but I think abortion and divorce are OK, and I don't think it's necessary to go to either Mass or Confession"
I didn't think it was physically possible, but this both sucks and blows. -Bart Simpson
I'm done with Powell, too
July 5, 2009 - 17:04 ET by WorriedPowell was respected at one time. No more because he sold he self out based on race.
Now he is saying Obama is growing the government too large.
Duh, I think Rush and millions of others knews this would happen way ahead of the election.
Powell should just go stick his head in the sand.
"Now he is saying Obama is
July 5, 2009 - 17:08 ET by Kat Outta the Bag"Now he is saying Obama is growing the government too large."
His first subconscious hint of voter's remorse, something a lot of people are going to be having as time wears on.
→ Proof he's Republican
July 5, 2009 - 17:22 ET by Cool ArrowIf Colin Powell is questioning the size of government under Obama, he's going about as far as he can without the obligatory reference to Uncle Tom's Cabin.
He coulda' been somebody.
Worried
July 5, 2009 - 19:46 ET by doug1950Gen. Powell was respected by many who did not know of him or about him but many in uniform did. He is the typical opportunist officer. A political creature who would suck up to the right people, attend the right parties, rub the right elbows. They are the bane of real generals and admirals, not to mention the junior officers and enlisted that have to work for them. Unfortunately the services are full of these bottom feeders. Colin is realizing he backed the wrong candidate and was proven to be just another racists when all was said and done. Now, the wheels are running off the thing and he is once again positioning himself to be on the right side of the fence. He is irrelavent and tries desparately to be inside the inner circle of influence. These guys can't help it. It is ingrained in them since the the day they first get the idea of a military career. These are the ones that get people killed in battle and always, repeat always, are looking out for their own futures. It is a poor leader that has to point out their perceived shortcomings of others to project themselves. That too is a classic symptom of this breed of Officer. We used to call them "Wardroom games". Go out of your way to make someone else look bad so by comparision you looked good. You never heard Gen Schwartzkoff doing this or others of his brand of Officer and leader. I would not trust this weasel as far as I could throw him. He should just go home and shut his mouth.
Powell has only 2 choices ... RINO or RACIST ...
July 5, 2009 - 16:40 ET by JaykeOn second thought I guess you could be BOTH! You can't be a true Republican and not support the party. Please do the Republicans a favor and GET OUT you RACIST RINO!
I didn't read the whole
July 5, 2009 - 16:58 ET by kangarooI didn't read the whole article. why the hell should I waste time that I can't get back. Powell you asshole, you left your party and voted race, if you had any balls you would admit that. So whats the freaking matter, things not going your way, your party doesn't want you back, you are blowing in the wind, now PO, AH. Whats that you can't retire, taxes cutting into your senior days off, weeellllll you should of voted Palin, now piss off! just sayin
I didn't think it was
July 5, 2009 - 16:50 ET by motherbeltI didn't think it was physically possible, but this both sucks and blows. -Bart Simpson
mb... That sums it
July 5, 2009 - 16:53 ET by bigtimermb...
That sums it up...perfectly.
Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart
That wasn't my intent, but
July 5, 2009 - 16:57 ET by motherbeltThat wasn't my intent, but I think you're right!
LOL
I didn't think it was physically possible, but this both sucks and blows. -Bart Simpson
all hat
July 5, 2009 - 16:58 ET by CatherwoodSure, Colin, and you were so right about BHO. You're just so right about everything. You did support BHO because he was black, and you know that. You knew that BHO was cashing all those checks and he had no money in the bank. You knew he was all hat and no cows, because, Colin, you are all hat and no cows. What you two have in common in the brotherhood. Admit it.
"He doesn't decide who I am
July 5, 2009 - 17:01 ET by Dan Diego"He doesn't decide who I am or what I am"
Your own words and deeds have defined you quite clearly to conservatives.
Powell, referring to Rush as Mr LimBAWh...
July 5, 2009 - 17:01 ET by upcountrywaterTis like refering to Coors beer as Cores beer.
All lefties do it...Call Rush Limbawh
The affirmative action general
A republican votes for a democrat... what do you call that?
A black Man votes for a black man.. what's that called?
Reagan VS Liberalism
my computer says No
July 5, 2009 - 17:30 ET by kangarooBugger, my computer says No
Lol ucw... Good ol'
July 5, 2009 - 17:21 ET by bigtimerLol ucw...
Good ol' Powell has always pronounced his last name wrong...intentionally...in my opinion anyway.
Everyone knows it's supposed to phonetically sound like Limbah...not Limbo.
Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart
→ Interesting
July 5, 2009 - 17:28 ET by Cool ArrowThe same phonetic mistake he makes in pronouncing "Limbaugh" would have the General referring to himself as "Colon Pole".
RO... ROFL! Now that is
July 5, 2009 - 17:30 ET by bigtimerRO...
ROFL!
Now that is hilarious.
Works for me!
Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart
Now it may be just a
July 5, 2009 - 17:41 ET by motherbeltNow it may be just a Freudian slip, but I have never been able to figure out why everyone says "colin" as in "cole-in" when it should be pronounced like "call." Any well-respected Irishman could tell him that.
Well maybe Cole-in is the black pronunciation.
I didn't think it was physically possible, but this both sucks and blows. -Bart Simpson
I think you meant
July 5, 2009 - 17:22 ET by motherbeltI think you meant Lim-bow..as in bow-wow.....
That's one of their favorite tricks...mispronouncing someone's name; they know it's disrespectful and they do it on purpose.
Powell can keep calling himself a Republican; hell he can call himself the King of Spain if he wants. It just means he has some very strange ideas about what makes a Republican.
As Lincoln famously said "Calling a tail a leg doesn't make it one."
I didn't think it was physically possible, but this both sucks and blows. -Bart Simpson
whoops
July 5, 2009 - 17:26 ET by kangarooa.Is that the same as Baz
July 5, 2009 - 17:24 ET by kangarooa.Is that the same as Baz saying Pak Rstarrrrrrrrrrrrnrn compared to Paki-stan b.Bribe c. High hopes
And lo these many years later, boots have become $100 running
July 5, 2009 - 17:36 ET by Cape Conservativeshoes and cellphones, yet they still believe they need preferential treatment??? Let's not forget the young 'homeless' being fed by the first lady taking pictures of her with their cellphones. Yup, they really have it tough, Mr. Powell.
"...They led a party, however, whose principal message to black Americans seemed to be, lift yourself up by your bootstraps. Some did not have boots..."
The Supreme Court candidate has said HERSELF that her grades were not equal to those of her fellow students. WHY??? She was born and raised in America just like most of her 'fellow students' so why should SHE have received preferential treatment? Ditto for Colin Powell...if his high school grades weren't 'up to snuff' WHY should he have been given any slack...raised in the same neighborhood as other students of various backgrounds...WHY should he have received preferential treatment?
This is a man who owes his entire political career to Republicans such as Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush...and yet he takes every opportunity to speak disparagingly of them.
Forget about the bootstraps, sir, these kids nowadays can't even bother to tie their shoes or pull up their baggy pants - yet they think THEY should receive special favors - just cuz.
In my world, it matters NOT what your color or background is, it is your CHARACTER and DESIRE TO BETTER YOURSELF that counts. Affirmative Action simply continues to keep those who wish to remain 'victims' in a mindset where they think they can't achieve on their own, therefore why even try. I don't buy it for one minute! Taking RESPONSIBILITY for the direction of one's life is a major factor in who succeeds and who does not!
PS Your comments now with regard to the MANY Obama programs not being best for the country are 'a day late and a dollar short' in my humble opinion. Your endorsement of his candidacy meant a great deal to many undecided voters - NOW is NOT the time to express your displeasure. There were many of us (almost 1/2 the voters!) who could see this charlatan for what he was...nothing more than a snake oil salesman charming the folks to buy his good-for-nothing product. And he continues to do so...selling his horrible-for-America products via a functioning teleprompter.
This comment comes from a proud Tea Party attendee, otherwise designated by Homeland Security Secretary as a Right Wing Radical Extremist! It is no dishonor to be in a minority in the cause of liberty and virtue ~ Sam Adams
Powell Lies
July 5, 2009 - 17:29 ET by slickwillie2001This is crap:
"You don't have an obligation to bring in anybody who is not able to do the work. You should always have qualifications. But once you've established those qualifications, is there something wrong with a taxpayer-funded institution not making sure that it is representing the entire public, the entire population?"
This is NOT what affirmative action has become, and I suspect that Powell knows it and will not admit it. Affirmative action today means lower entry, grading, and graduation standards for the selected few. It means just another manifestation of racism. Sotomayor knows this; she admits that her grades were lower than others, and she was shown preference. (Reference)
In his statement Powell seems aware that his marks might have been substandard as well. He dances around the truth, but cannot admit that someone else that might have been more worthy that he was, was stepped on so he could advance. This is what the racists will not face, the fact that someone is hurt by AA.
We cannot have an honest discussion on race and 'affirmative action' as long as those like Powell and Sotomayor will not speak the truth.
A degree awarded to one of the selected few will always be looked on as of lesser value than the same degree awarded to someone who earned it. This is the flaw in AA that the racists will not accept.
I'm Tired of THIS Excuse
July 5, 2009 - 17:34 ET by HoosierEm"They led a party, however, whose principal message to black
Americans seemed to be, lift yourself up by your bootstraps. Some did
not have boots"
The absence of "boots" applies to all people equally - people of all races and sexes. I am so tired of this excuse being bandied about by public figures on a daily basis.
No wonder these same public figures continue to say that racism is a problem in America. THEY make it the problem.
→ I had no boots
July 5, 2009 - 17:46 ET by Cool ArrowWhen I was a kid of 12, I was walking back and forth from the water hydrant to the okra and tomato plants with a Folgers Coffee can, watering one plant with each trip. But 12 of us kids needed to be fed, somehow, and our place in the sun consisted of a 3-br home on a half acre.
I wore orange strap sandals we'd gotten in a bag of clothes from a family of better means. It was years later I realized they were women's sandals.
Screw that "no boots" nonsense. I can't build up a whole lot of sympathy for anyone who wants to stay poor just because their parents were poor.
It is a truly seducing spirit that permeates this society. "The government owes me a living"
How profane is that?
Cool Arrow, your story
July 5, 2009 - 18:00 ET by Kat Outta the BagCool Arrow, your story reminds me of my own mother's. She was the youngest of 8 children born to a TN sharecropper right after the Great Depression. They didn't even have their own farm...they worked and lived on other peoples' farms. When they outgrew their shoes their father cut slits in them so their toes could hang out. My mom had two dresses to wear all school year and those were hand-me-downs. All of the kids were raised to work hard and be self-sufficient and that nobody owes them anything and those were the values I was raised with as well.
Cool & Kat~
July 5, 2009 - 18:44 ET by Georgia Girl... and that's what I call real character-building ... overcoming circumstances with hard work and digging deep inside. A lot of people can take a lesson from this.
Your story brought tears to my eyes, Cool. And not because I felt sorry for you -- but because it explains why you're so COOL. :)
→ Ain't it grand?
July 5, 2009 - 18:47 ET by Cool ArrowMom, Dad, and all 12 of us are still around, and not one of us living off the Government.
Yes, it is ...
July 5, 2009 - 18:53 ET by Georgia GirlAnd Obama needs you guys in the audience for his scripted shows ... oops, I mean town meetings. LOL.
→ Good Point GG
July 5, 2009 - 18:56 ET by Cool ArrowBut unlike the pleading minions bowing at Obama's feet, We have jobs and can't tailor our schedules to his whims.
Does it strike anybody else as unfair that part of the reason we're so misrepresented in public forums is because we have jobs to do?
That's Funny CA
July 5, 2009 - 19:12 ET by HoosierEmThe dolts at the democratic underground say that the media is in the tank for republicans because they are all too busy working jobs to set the media straight, which I find highly laughable.
Your personal story is great and that's the sort of thing that sticks with you forever. It wasn't about the money but you and your family worked together. That's what matters.
I was a single mom for many years with a low paying job and it seriously never even occurred to me to go to the welfare office and ask for assistance. It wasn't even part of my vocabulary because I wasn't brought up that way.
HE... Ditto. Doubling
July 5, 2009 - 19:15 ET by bigtimerHE...
Ditto.
Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart
A "special questionnaire"
July 5, 2009 - 19:24 ET by Georgia GirlI'm thinking of the type of questionnaire that Obama's crew may have people complete to "weed out" who's seated at his forums. A few sample questions:
1.) Would you say you are:
A) Employed
B) Unemployed but looking for work
C) Work? Why would I have to work? That sounds really hard. And, by the way, I could use some help with my utility bill this month.
2.) What would you say is your general attitude about parenting...
A) Parenting isn't easy, but I consider it my greatest responsibility to raise my children to be productive and kind human beings.
B) I'm not sure. I haven't seen my kids in about a week. I think maybe the neighbors are raising them.
^_^
There was a joke going
July 5, 2009 - 21:54 ET by motherbeltThere was a joke going around during the campaign about why McCain's rallies only drew a couple thousand supporters while Obama's drew upwards of 50,000. The reason? The McCain supporters had jobs.
I didn't think it was physically possible, but this both sucks and blows. -Bart Simpson
CA, my mom
July 5, 2009 - 19:28 ET by UpNorthtold me stories of the depression, walking the railroad tracks in Lansing, Mi., picking up pieces of coal that fell off the trains going through town, picking up potatoes in the same area. She never, ever asked for anything from the government, worked all her life til she had a stroke. My dad grew up on a farm, with all that entails. He didn't ask for anything from the government either, worked all his life. I was raised right, not to expect anything, that what I got I should earn, because then I would appreciate it. I tried to pass that on to my sons, seems it took.
I get so tired of being blamed, in a general way, for the ills of people who won't work, and expect a payday from Uncle Sugar. And being told that taking from one to give to another is the "right" thing to do.
Wow
July 5, 2009 - 20:39 ET by Dan Diego"picking up pieces of coal that fell off the trains" My Mom used to say the same thing, except in Rhode Island and normally preceded by "you don't know how good you've got it". Tough people in tough times taking care of themselves.
My mom
July 5, 2009 - 20:42 ET by doug1950Just told me the exact same thing last month when I was up in MS visiting her for her 87th birthday. They grew everything they ate or hunted for it in the surrounding woods. They considered themselves blessed to be able to do that.
WHEN YOU ARE ASLEEP DON'T DRIVE OR MAKE POLITICAL COMMENTS
July 5, 2009 - 18:16 ET by LEWIS IN COLORADOIt amazes me that this man either never had any true principles or totally lost them. COLIN : get offthe stage. You are a total embarassment. how bad ?--- you are starting to make biden look good.
If Powell is Republican, why did he vote for Obama
July 5, 2009 - 17:59 ET by jefflebowskiPowell and McCain seem to be of the liberal, big-tent, reach across the aisle, "my good friend Senator Kenndy" type of wussypants Republican. My question is, if he believes so strongly in that political approach, why did he vote for Hussein Hopenchange?
Powell is an opportunist and will go whatever way the political wind blows. When Obama's ratings tank in another 9 months, watch for Powell to say how Obama has moved too far to the left but he encourages the Republicans to do the same thing. I detest wussypants Republicans!
Angry White Dude
www.angrywhitedude.c...
And, he knows Rush is off
July 5, 2009 - 18:04 ET by DingbatAnd, he knows Rush is off the air this coming week playing golf.
Collie Powell,
July 5, 2009 - 18:19 ET by RD Kinga man after J Skerry's heart in the same manner as Kerry he is either for something before he's agains't it or agains't it bfore he's for it. Say good night collie you obamaniac reed.
Powell you fit the legal description of obamaite = You IDIOT!!
Help save America and keep bamslamming the bamster until he is gone.
McPowell won't be happy
July 5, 2009 - 18:21 ET by Dan DiegoMcPowell won't be happy until the GOP nominates Jackson/Sharpton in 2012.
DD... 'McPowell'....you
July 5, 2009 - 18:36 ET by bigtimerDD...
'McPowell'....you have me laughing here....that is a good one.
Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart
She does?
July 5, 2009 - 18:28 ET by Dragonsbreath"But she seems to have a judicial record that seems to be balanced and tries to follow the law."
Prove it...............
“Less 1984 — More 1776"
db - methinks the general will have a hard time proving it ;-)
July 5, 2009 - 18:55 ET by Cape ConservativeLet's hope the Republicans on the Judiciary Committee do NOT hold back! There are TOO many questionable judgements and her association with that Puerto Rican group involved many questionable cases, also.
Again, I ask...why SINCE SHE WAS BORN IN AMERICA, does she feel the need to identify herself as a Puerto Rican (Latina)??? I was born in America and I don't identify myself with the birthplace of my parents/grandparents...I AM AN AMERICAN! And so is she!!!
Get over it, for heaven's sake. Either LOVE OUR COUNTRY OR LEAVE IT!
This comment comes from a proud Tea Party attendee, otherwise designated by Homeland Security Secretary as a Right Wing Radical Extremist! It is no dishonor to be in a minority in the cause of liberty and virtue ~ Sam Adams
Semi-Colin
July 5, 2009 - 19:08 ET by jdlybrandThere was a time when I would have voted for this guy. He's a Benedict Arnold. Must read the polls a lot. Seems to me that's what his opinion du jour is based upon.
"What a revoltin' development this is!"
Chester Riley
Colin Powell
July 5, 2009 - 19:22 ET by Edward CropperColin Powell is quite frankly not too bright. He sucks up to Obama and
endorses him, then says the government is getting too big. He says Sortomayor "
seems like a very gifted and accomplished woman. She certainly has an open and
liberal bent of mind, but that's not disqualifying. But she seems to have a
judicial record that seems to be balanced and tries to follow the law".
Is this guy becoming senile or is he just revealing his total political
incompetence?
Rush is apparently driving him bonkers
Powell: incoherent window
July 5, 2009 - 19:55 ET by fitzfongPowell: incoherent window dressing, lightweight non-entity. And, of course, he shows up on CNN on the Sunday before a week-long Limbaugh vacation. That wasn't staged.
"I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered." -George Best
If Powell is a Republican,
July 5, 2009 - 19:59 ET by ckc1227If Powell is a Republican, then I must be a Democrat....or an alligator......or king of the world, lol.
Please go away, Mr. Powell. We don't need any more Democrats trying to represent the Republican party.
No fan of Powell, but...
July 5, 2009 - 21:07 ET by CThe's entitled to his case of soar-a**. I just wont forgive him for stopping the Gulf War boots on the ground 100 hours in.
And I am entitled to my opinion. Rush Limbaugh is a solid...
July 5, 2009 - 22:22 ET by jawebster1Conservative. Colin Powell is a squishy Moderate who voted for and supported Obama over a fellow squishy Moderate...John McCain. That is all you need to know about Colin Powell. Jim Webster
moderate
July 5, 2009 - 22:48 ET by sudmufTypical wishy-washy moderate nonsense. Colon Powell reminds me a lot of George McClellan.
I can think of nothing but
July 6, 2009 - 00:34 ET by RR GOPI can think of nothing but questions regarding the good general.
What the heck is he up to?
What does he care about Sotomayor, Rush Limbaugh or Sarah Palin?
I thought he was retired,,,so why is he on TV running his mouth so much?
If he's a Republican, then why is he obviously supporting the Libtards and attacking the Republican base by attacking those we admire?
I could understand (somewhat) his disgraceful backpeddling on Saddam's WMD (which is probably mostly in Syria), but this other stuff just sounds like he wants Hillary's job or some kind of 'Czar' position?
One of the 34% who thinks George W. Bush was a great President. One of the 61% who wants to bring back the stock and pillory (yep...approval for Congress now at 39%...do you believe that!?).
RR... Ah heck, you never
July 6, 2009 - 00:42 ET by bigtimerRR...
Ah heck, you never know, he may be waiting for Hill to exit and be named to her spot...you just never know.
One thing about it...he is as phony as they come always has been in my opinion, obvious to me he is still is angling for a position somewhere....anywhere of importance.
Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart
RR,
July 6, 2009 - 09:54 ET by UpNorthI said before, Powell is lining himself up for a seat at Obie's table. Gates will be gone in 8-10 months, tops. Who better for window-dressing for Obie than a retired general, Republican for SecDef. Powell can't stay away from D.C., it's a disease and he has it.
Next thing we'll hear is
July 6, 2009 - 19:05 ET by Dan DiegoNext thing we'll hear is that he hasn't paid his taxes.
RR - I give him as much credence as I did Meghan McCain!
July 6, 2009 - 18:50 ET by Cape ConservativeWhat reason is there for either to be in front of a television camera???
This comment comes from a proud Tea Party attendee, otherwise designated by Homeland Security as a Right Wing Radical Extremist! It is no dishonor to be in a minority in the cause of liberty and virtue ~ Sam Adams
Sotomayor's achievments at Princeton raises some questions
July 6, 2009 - 10:20 ET by OxyConEven though Sotomayor is a minority, she was able to graduate at one of America's top universities with the highest honors. I'm sure Princeton Univeristy didn't give her different (easier) tests, or 15% bonus points on all of her grades based on her race and gender. Which proves that the testing and teaching methods at Princeton were fair for all students, and that the students all had equal opportunity to do well, achieve and advance.
So why is it that Sotomayor judged the Ricci case the way she did? She proved through her own hard work and diligence that the responsibilty for success lies with the individual, regardless of race, gender and background.
It's really quite simple. If this country promotes only the best people to leadership positions, then we'll always remain to best country. But if we continue to promote undeserving people and even in some instances, reward bad behavior, we're going to keep heading in this downward tradgectory we have been on.
Let Him Talk
July 6, 2009 - 10:52 ET by EddieWalkerPowell is doing more damage to his credibility then anything that can be said against him. Let him talk. All he's doing is proving that he's a racist who doesn't have a position on anything. Bush did good by firing him and putting somebody in who could do the job of Sec. of State. Just think of Powell going over to kiss Arafat's Ass, and you can remove all doubt as to his competence.
Amen to that~
July 6, 2009 - 12:01 ET by doug1950Lead, follow or get the hell out of the way!
Don't try to defend your
July 6, 2009 - 12:14 ET by wiwfDon't try to defend your sellout-ery, Colin. It never works.
The Rocky Mountain Collegian: Illustrating Idiocy
To "A heck of a lot of these"
July 6, 2009 - 21:59 ET by wotsiznamewotsizname You are about the only one speaking who really knows what's wrong with the public schools. People blame the teachers, who have so much time and education expenses invested that they may never break even financially, are treated as subjects while trying to teach democracy in socialized education, while ruled dictatorially by the politicians. NEA is an administrators' organization which let teachers in to keep them from joining a bona fide labor union. Administrators formed other ones, and are in the same elite groups as education professors, school board members, city governments, state and national senators, representatives and the collection of bureaucrats. The teachers really have no say. Nowadays they can't manage their own classrooms because of disruptive children who make noise, disrupt learning and actually run the classroom. What do you do when one says, "I aint gonna and you can't make me?" Or, "Don't get near me, my momma's got a lawyer and I can get you fired," (Both actual comments) and they're both true? The farther from the classroom its rule gets (see No Child Left Ahead) the more impossible it is to teach. Education is from Educare; to educe, bring forth what is latent in the person. Shoving government mandated data into them is Training or Indoctrination, not Education. In Principles Of Teaching, I was taught,"When you go in the classroom there are only two question you need to ask, 'What is best for the student,' and 'Is this the best use I can make of the student's time? ' " Try asking that while a riot is in progress and you have no longer have authority to crry out your responsibiloities or transfer non students to someplace where they too might be helped. My son was entering teaching, and the older teachers said, "Don't do this. Do something else for a living." So he did. He would have been an excellent devoted teacher.